Knauf buying USG for $7 billion

After months of pursuit, USG agrees to sell at premium more than 30% above its trading price three months ago.

German building materials manufacturer Knauf and USG Corporation have come to a sale agreement.

Knauf will buy all of the outstanding shares of USG for about $7 billion. The deal calls for USG shareholders to receive $44 per share, consisting of $43.50 per share in cash payable upon closing of the transaction and a $0.50 per share special dividend that would be paid following shareholder approval of the transaction.

The price tag is a premium of 31% over USG’s closing price of $33.51 and a 36% premium to the $32.36 average closing price for the preceding 12-month period, both as of March 23; around the same time Knauf began seriously pursuing USG.

Following news of the deal, shares of USG were up nearly 4% and trading as high as $43.

In statement issued this morning, Alexander Knauf, general partner of Knauf, said, “We are excited to enter into an agreement to acquire USG. As a long-term USG shareholder, we greatly admire USG’s strong brands, leading market positions in North American wallboard and ceilings and highly talented employee base. We look forward to building on USG’s strong presence in North America.”

Knauf had initially made a $5.9 billion offer on March 15, but it was rejected by USG. Pressure from shareholders in recent months – particularly from Buffet – forced USG to reenter negotiations. At last month’s USG shareholder meeting, all 4 of the board members standing for election and supported by the Chicago-based company did not gain shareholder approval.

This deal means Buffet’s exit from USG ownership.

“Our board has worked diligently to evaluate all strategic options to maximize value for our shareholders, and we are pleased to have reached this agreement which provides our shareholders with significant and certain cash value,” said Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of USG. “We believe this transaction will create new opportunities for both companies’ customers and will benefit USG’s employees who will be part of a truly global building products company.”

The transaction is expected to close in early 2019, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by USG shareholders.

The crown jewel of USG’s product offerings is its iconic Sheetrock brand of wallboard.

Learn more about this notable product plucked from the latest building products roundup from the June 2018 issue of HBSDealer magazine.

Building products manufacturers continue to create the latest solutions for new construction, additions and renovations. And with a labor shortage impacting builders and remodelers, particularly on the side of single-family home construction, producers of new products are taking notice.

Below, HBSDealer has assembled an array of what’s new, improved or reinvented in the world of building products, including siding, fasteners and doors, etc.

The latest new building products include features that make it easier and quicker for pros to install. There are also more than a few examples of color and clean, sleek designs among the latest LBM wares.

Here is one notable selection from HBSDealer’s monthly roundup:

Quickscrews

Quickscrews International Corp. has launched a new retail line of screws and fasteners for lumberyards, hardware stores and big boxes. They are for applications across the building and remodeling spectrum, including new construction and installations, renovations and decking and fencing. They feature an Icon System and Color-Coded Application System, created to make it easier than ever for customers.

—

Check out the rest of HBSDealer‘s roundup of building products in the June issue of HBSDealer magazine.

Learn more about this notable product plucked from the latest building products roundup from the June 2018 issue of HBSDealer magazine.

Building products manufacturers continue to create the latest solutions for new construction, additions and renovations. And with a labor shortage impacting builders and remodelers, particularly on the side of single-family home construction, producers of new products are taking notice.

Below, HBSDealer has assembled an array of what’s new, improved or reinvented in the world of building products, including siding, fasteners and doors, etc.

The latest new building products include features that make it easier and quicker for pros to install. There are also more than a few examples of color and clean, sleek designs among the latest LBM wares.

Here is one notable selection from HBSDealer’s monthly roundup:

Masonite Decorative Glass Designs

Masonite has introduced the Double-Water, Cruz and Focus glass designs for exterior and interior doors. Cruz glass complements the urban trend using smooth, sleek glass and clean lines to blend in with concrete, metal and industrial components. Double-Water glass has a water-like texture, mirroring the calm ocean while Focus is perfect for those looking for a modern, updated look on a traditional home that’s on trend with modern farmhouse design.

—

Check out the rest of HBSDealer‘s roundup of building products in the June issue of HBSDealer magazine.

Forgotten Password

Registration complete

REGISTER

USERNAME *

Spaces are allowed; punctuation is not allowed except for periods, hyphens, and underscores.

E-MAIL ADDRESS *

A valid e-mail address. All e-mails from the system will be sent to this address. The e-mail address is not made public and will only be used if you wish to receive a new password or wish to receive certain news or notifications by e-mail.

Password *

Confirm Password *

Please choose a password for your account; it must be 8 - 30 characters. .